Cameroon: Bui Fons Reunite After a Decade, Seal Historic Peace Deal at Bafoussam Reconciliation Conclave
In a landmark development for peace and reconciliation in Cameroon’s conflict-affected North West Region, seven traditional rulers of Bui Division have reunited after more than a decade of separation, signaling renewed commitment to dialogue, unity, and grassroots peacebuilding.
The historic Bui Fons Dialogue, Peace and Reconciliation Conclave, held in Bafoussam on 3-4 July 2026, brought together the royal fathers. The gathering marked the first physical reunion of the members of the Bui Fons Union since the outbreak of the Anglophone crisis, which has disrupted traditional governance and community cohesion across the region. The conclave followed the recent launch of the Fon of Nso’s book, The Fon of Nso and the Anglophone Crisis: A Testimony of Reconciliation and Peace, a publication that underscores dialogue and reconciliation as pathways toward lasting peace.
A Significant Step Toward Community Reconciliation
The peace initiative was facilitated by a team of elites under the Nso Development and Cultural Association (NSODA), whose efforts created a platform for the traditional rulers to rebuild trust, restore relationships, and discuss the future of their communities. For more than ten years, insecurity prevented the Fons from meeting in person. Their reunion has therefore been widely regarded as an important symbolic and practical step toward restoring traditional institutions as pillars of peace and social cohesion.
During the conclave, the seven Fons deliberated on ways to strengthen cooperation among traditional institutions and promote reconciliation across Bui Division of the Northwest Region of Cameroon.
Calls for Forgiveness and Unity
Speaking during the opening session, Shey Tadze Adamu Mbiydzela, President of NSODA, urged the royal fathers to embrace dialogue, forgiveness, and mutual respect. He emphasized that reconciliation would enable the traditional rulers to once again lead their communities in unity and strengthen efforts aimed at restoring peace throughout the division. The conclave also received support from Her Excellency Kilo Vivian Asheri, who encouraged the Fons to engage in frank and constructive dialogue while prioritizing the security, welfare, and cultural heritage of their people.
Appointment of the Ntumfon Strengthens Traditional Diplomacy
One of the major resolutions of the meeting was the appointment of the Ntumfon of the Bui Fons, the official royal messenger and ambassador of the union. Within Grassfields traditional governance, the Ntumfon serves as an important diplomatic intermediary responsible for facilitating communication between palaces, traditional institutions, elites, and communities.
Observers view the appointment as a strategic effort to institutionalize the resolutions reached during the conclave and ensure that peace messages reach communities throughout Bui Division.
Fon of Oku Urges an End to Paramountcy Debate
Following the conclave, His Royal Majesty Fon Ngum IV of Oku issued a public statement calling on the people of Oku and the wider public to refrain from engaging in social media disputes concerning traditional supremacy within Bui Division. The monarch emphasized that the purpose of the Bafoussam meeting was reconciliation rather than competition among traditional institutions.
He cautioned that insults directed at fellow traditional rulers undermine the dignity of the institution of the Fon and weaken ongoing peace efforts.
“The issue of paramountcy is not a priority for public contention,” the Fon stated, urging citizens to avoid divisive rhetoric and instead support dialogue and unity.
The Fon further stressed that Bui Division continues to face significant humanitarian and security challenges that require collective action by both traditional leaders and their communities.
Traditional Leadership as a Pillar of Peacebuilding
The reunion of the Bui Fons demonstrates the continuing importance of traditional institutions in conflict resolution, mediation, and community leadership.
Across Cameroon’s North West Region, traditional rulers remain influential actors capable of promoting dialogue, rebuilding trust, and encouraging peaceful coexistence among communities affected by years of armed conflict.
The Bafoussam Conclave therefore represents more than a symbolic reunion. It reflects a renewed commitment by traditional authorities to contribute actively to reconciliation, social cohesion, and sustainable peace.
Whether the resolutions adopted during the meeting translate into long-term community healing will depend on continued engagement among traditional institutions, civil society organizations, local communities, and public authorities.
Looking Ahead
As Bui Division continues its journey toward reconciliation, the unity demonstrated by the traditional rulers offers renewed hope that dialogue, respect, and inclusive leadership can help rebuild fractured relationships.
The appointment of the Ntumfon, the public appeals for forgiveness, and the collective commitment to peaceful coexistence provide a foundation upon which broader community reconciliation initiatives may continue to develop.
For communities that have endured years of conflict and displacement, the Bafoussam Peace Conclave stands as an important reminder that sustainable peace often begins with local leadership and genuine dialogue.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
